--- title: "Geomembranes as Floating Covers for Odor Control" date: 2021-04-19 author: "Pawan Khatri" url: https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geomembranes-as-floating-covers-for-odor-control/ --- April 19, 2021 | [Geomembrane](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/geomembrane/), [Insights](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/insights/) # Geomembranes as Floating Covers for Odor Control Manure lagoons, wastewater ponds and biogas digesters give off odour all day. One of the simplest ways to contain it is to float a [geomembrane](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/products/ocean-geomembrane/) cover on the liquid surface. This post explains how floating covers work in the **agricultural sector** and where else they are used. Geomembranes belong to the wider family of geosynthetics (with geotextiles, geogrids, geocells, geonets and geosynthetic clay liners) used across [sectors](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/sectors/) from defence, roads and railways to environmental work and agriculture. ***Ocean Geosynthetics,*[*geomembrane* manufacturers](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/top-5-ways-in-which-geomembranes-help-stabilize-earth/)*, supplies geomembranes for floating covers used for odour control in agriculture.*** **What are Floating Covers?** A floating cover is a geomembrane sheet that floats on the surface of a lagoon, pond or tank and seals it, so gases, odour and evaporation stay underneath. Odour is a constant problem on farms. The same kind of cover serves a manure store that needs its smell contained and a digester where the biogas has to be captured for use. The geomembrane is laid on the liquid surface with floats or buoyant strips that keep it afloat, and its edges are anchored in a trench or to the tank wall. Rainwater that collects on top is pumped off, and gas under a biogas cover is drawn off through vents. Compared with a fixed roof, a floating cover costs less and needs little maintenance beyond these checks.  **Features of Floating Covers:** [HDPE geomembrane](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/products/ocean-geomembrane/high-density-polyethylene-sheets-hdpe/) covers are strong and resist the chemicals in manure and wastewater, and UV-stabilised grades hold up to direct sun. Where a cover has to flex a lot, more flexible LLDPE or reinforced geomembranes are also used. Sheets come smooth or textured, and individual panels are welded together into one continuous cover during installation. **Additional Applications of Geomembrane floating covers:** Wastewater and manure ponds release ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and other gases that smell and are a respiratory hazard for farm workers. Long-term exposure can also irritate the eyes and skin. A floating cover traps these gases at the source. Over lagoons and tanks it also cuts water loss through evaporation, and insulated versions keep the liquid warmer. On a manure store the cover stops evaporation and the release of volatile compounds, so the odour stays inside. On a biogas lagoon the cover keeps air out, which creates the anaerobic conditions that produce biogas, and collects the gas for heat and electricity. Other benefits: blocking sunlight stops algae growing, the cover keeps out dust, leaves and birds, and the warmer, sealed liquid can speed up anaerobic treatment. ***Beyond odour control, floating covers are used for algae, evaporation, temperature and debris control, for biogas collection, and on reservoirs, lagoons and potable water storage.*** ## **FAQs** ### **What are the considerations for geomembrane selection in landfill applications? ** When selecting a geomembrane for landfill applications, factors like chemical resistance, puncture resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and regulatory requirements should be considered. ### **Can geomembranes be used in floating capping systems?** Yes. A floating cover is a geomembrane cap that floats on a lagoon, pond or tank, sealing the liquid surface so odour, gas and evaporation are contained. ### **How are geomembranes repaired underwater? ** Underwater geomembrane repairs can be performed using specialized techniques such as diver-assisted welding or adhesive bonding with underwater-compatible materials. 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